AT&T/SmartLink propose 100‑foot 'monopine' on Fry Boulevard; staff cites improved coverage and camouflage standards

Sierra Vista — SmartLink Real Estate, representing AT&T, presented a conditional use permit request for a 100‑foot communications tower designed as a pine tree — commonly called a monopine — at 999 East Fry Boulevard.

Planning staff presenter Prigler said the development code requires a conditional use permit for towers 60 feet or taller and that the proposed 100‑foot monopine would occupy a 50‑by‑50‑foot lease area with screening (an 8‑foot masonry wall) around ground‑mounted equipment. The applicant told staff the site would accommodate co‑location by at least two additional carriers.

Prigler said the applicant provided radio propagation maps showing the new tower would close local coverage gaps and improve commercial and First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) service. “You’ll notice that there’s a coverage gap on the lower propagation map that becomes red with the proposed tower,” Prigler said while displaying staff materials.

The city’s development code calls for camouflage or concealment techniques where feasible. Staff described six design criteria for the monopine drawn from a recent, comparable city installation: proportional branch length, a minimum branch density, branches extending at least 12 inches beyond antennas, branches beginning at least 15 feet above ground, a faux tree top at least 5 feet above the highest antenna and bark‑colored paint or cladding on the vertical sections.

Prigler said the development review committee approved the requested reduced setbacks on March 28, and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended unanimous approval on April 1. Staff noted one letter of support from Fire Marshal Don Foster stating the tower would improve fire and EMS communications that use FirstNet. Staff also reported contact with Fort Huachuca’s encroachment board, which raised no frequency conflicts.

During council discussion a participant noted that FirstNet’s long‑term status is subject to federal action; Prigler and others cautioned that federal policy changes are outside the city’s control. Council members and staff generally commented favorably on the proposed camouflage standards and photo simulations showing the monopine sited near existing commercial buildings.

No council final action was recorded in the transcript; the application was presented for council consideration following P&Z recommendation.